In Preventing Violence in Relationships, contributing authors take a developmental approach to examining violence prevention in intimate relationships and families. Until recently, the study of violence prevention has focused on reducing the incidence of assaults by strangers, despite statistics that indicate that people are twice as likely to be victimized by a friend, relative, or intimate partner. Authors view relationship violence not only as something that may be prevented at many points during the lifespan of a person but also as something that must be prevented at key points, especially during childhood, if violence is to be reduced in the future.

All violence is essentially interpersonal, so the contributors to this book focus on healthy interpersonal relationship skills as the basis for preventing violence. Each chapter covers relationship violence at a different stage of life and in different relationships, from child and partner abuse through rape and elder abuse. Authors provide empirical research results as well as practical guidance for day-to-day interventions in the lives of children and adults. Researchers interested in the field of violence prevention as well as practitioners working with the victims or perpetrators of violence will find this book to be a valuable resource in their efforts.